Bombardier wins bid to operate West Coast Express for next five years

Dec 19 2017, 5:14 pm

Montreal-based Bombardier has signed a contract to provide train operations for TransLink’s highly successful West Coast Express commuter rail system in Metro Vancouver.

The agreement is valued at approximately $17 million and includes train operations over the span of the next five years beginning in May 2014 after VIA Rail’s contract expires. Options for three additional five-year periods can also be exercised by Bombardier.


Bombardier will provide train operations for the West Coast Express Bombardier bi-level commuter rail fleet of 44 vehicles including the addition of seven Bombardier coaches in 2010.

“We’re extremely pleased to expand our long standing relationship with Bombardier as a vehicle and technology provider, to now include rail operations,” said Fred Cummings, President and General Manager of the British Columbia Rapid Transit Co. Ltd. “We have developed a successful partnership over the years, and we look forward to Bombardier continuing to provide the safe, reliable, and courteous service our West Coast Express customers have grown to expect.”

“West Coast Express has built an enviable reputation for reliability and exceptional customer service since its first trip in 1995. Bombardier appreciates the importance of maintaining and building on the West Coast Express record of good customer service,” added Raymond Bachant, President, Bombardier Transportation North America.

Bombardier has a long-standing track record of providing operations and maintenance services to transit systems across North America including Agence Métropolitaine de Transport in Montréal, GO Transit in Toronto, New Jersey Transit, and OC Transpo in Ottawa.

The West Coast Express runs from downtown Vancouver to Mission with eight stations along its 69 km long route using rail tracks leased from the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). It currently attracts over 11,000 passengers per weekday with its five inbound departures during the morning peak and five outbound departures during the evening peak.

The original 20-year agreement to run the West Coast Express on the CPR will expire in 2015. Negotiations for contract renewal with the CPR will begin once studies determine the impact of the SkyTrain Evergreen Line, to be completed in the summer of 2016, and its interaction with the West Coast Express.

Source/Featured Image: Bombardier

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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